Every year the American College of sports medicine meet up to discuss all things sport related. The American College Of Sports Medicine is the worlds largest organization of sports medicine and exercise science professionals.The last meeting had over 6000 exercise scientists, sports dietitians, physicians and other health professionals sharing their research.

Weight Loss and Muscle LossWhen an athlete loses weight they lose muscle mass as well as body fat. They looked at a group of soldiers in training and found that from the total weight lost, two thirds was body fat and one third muscle mass. They consumed about 15% fewer calories than required to maintain body weight.

Women seem to have it hardest in the weight loss side of things. The most likely reason for this is that in the animal kingdom female animals generate less body heat after overfeeding compared to males. Research with humans suggests that humans are no different

Chocolate milk:Chocolate milk is a good recovery food that contains carbs to refuel muscle and high quality protein to build and repair muscle. Both normal and skimmed milk appear to offer the same benefits.

Exercise machines calorie estimates:Exercise machines which display calorie expenditure are not that accurate with some brands of machines overestimating how many calories have been burned.

Stability balls:A good way to burn extra calories at work is to sit on a stability ball while you are working. It was estimated that someone could burn half a calorie more sitting on a stability ball than a normal chair. In theory this could lead to a weight loss of 12kg in just one year.

High intensity Interval training:High intensity interval training is seen as being one of the best ways to get fit quickly. This is hard work however once fitness levels have been achieved the intensity can be lowered to a more enjoyable exercise regime. The specialists advised that high intensity interval training is not a heart attack waiting happen, however untrained people should get a proper medical check up before starting a training program.